Grand Pacific Tours 16 Day Highlights of New Zealand

On this incredible 16 day tour of New Zealand, explore the country from the majestic Milford Sound in the South Island right up to the geothermal wonders of Rotorua in the north. Begin in Christchurch and circle south down through Fiordland National Park, Queenstown and the West Coast Glaciers before crossing the Southern Alps on the stunningly scenic TranzAlpine train. From hear head north to New Zealand's capital city of Wellington, enjoying a beautiful ferry crossing of the Cook Strait along the way. Travel to Rotorua and enjoy a variety of cultural activities with two nights to explore the area, then continue north for a further two nights discovering the many amazing beaches and activities on offer in the Bay of Islands. Finish up your tour in Auckland, the City of Sails, and enjoy the bustling metropolitan life of New Zealand's largest city.

Day 1: Welcome to the South Island

Arrive into Christchurch

Arrive into Christchurch where you will be met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative and transferred to your hotel.

Your Accommodation: Quality Elms Hotel Christchurch

The Elms Hotel in Christchurch, is located 5 minutes from the city and is the closest hotel to the largest enclosed Shopping Mall in New
Zealand. Renowned for its professional and friendly staff you are guaranteed a pleasant stay.

Meals included: Dinner

Day 2: Travel south via the Aqua waters of Lake Tekapo

Christchurch to Omarama

After an introductory city sights tour depart Christchurch and travel through the southern Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo. See the brilliant turquoise water, visit The Church of the Good Shepherd and view the Sheep Dog Statue. Marvel at the spectacular mountain ranges including Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The opportunity is available (time and weather permitting) to enjoy a scenic flight (optional) over the Southern Alps before travelling to Omarama.

Your Accommodation: Heritage Gateway Hotel

Positioned at the crossroads linking north, south, east and west, the Gateway Hotel features a full restaurant and cocktail bar with views of the Southern Alps, the Heritage Gateway Hotel has everything you need to rest and refresh.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3: The "Edinburgh of the South"

Omarama to Dunedin

Depart Omarama and see Lake Benmore, before following the Waitaki River to Oamaru, famous for its limestone. Continue south to Dunedin and enjoy a city sights tour followed by some free time. Tonight a Scottish evening will be presented comprising of bagpipes, great food, special Haggis Ceremony and gift.

Your Accommodation: Heritage Dunedin Leisure Lodge

Nestled in landscaped Gardens the Mercure Leisure Lodge Dunedin is just a short drive from the central city and adjacent to the Botanical Gardens

Meals included: Breakfast, Speciality Dinner

Day 4: Enter into the Fiordland National Park

Dunedin to Te Anau

This morning travel out along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour. Enjoy time to wander around this Garden of International significance followed by a delicious Devonshire Tea. Farewell Dunedin and travel through Balclutha and Gore to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland and your overnight stay. Tonight you may like to visit the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves (optional).

Your Accommodation: Distinction Luxmore Hotel Te Anau

The perfect base for all your Fiordland travel, Distinction Luxmore Hotel provides comfortable accommodation right in the heart of Te Anau.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: Visit one of the nations favourites, Milford Sound

Te Anau to Milford Sound to Queenstown

Depart Te Anau for a fascinating drive to Milford Sound where you board your launch for a cruise on this magnificent fiord. See the spectacular Bowen Falls and towering Mitre Peak as you enjoy a picnic lunch. This afternoon travel to Queenstown, overlooking magical Lake Wakatipu. Spend the next two nights at this year round resort which offers a wide range of activities and attractions. This evening is free and you may choose to dine at one of the many fine restaurants.

Your Accommodation: Mercure Resort Queenstown

Mercure Resort Queenstown is located near the shores of Lake Wakatipu, only 3 minutes drive from the centre of town. The hotel boasts spectacular views over the lake and the Remarkables Mountain Range.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6: A free day and a cruise across the lake

Queenstown free day with TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Dinner

Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown at leisure. Your Tour Guide and Coach Captain are available to assist with the many sightseeing options available. This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Sit back, relax and enjoy a gourmet barbecue dinner which the chef will prepare in front of you at the Colonel's Homestead. After dinner enjoy a short farm tour then reboard the TSS Earnslaw for a sing along by the piano as you cruise back to Queenstown.

Your Accommodation: Mercure Resort Queenstown

Mercure Resort Queenstown is located near the shores of Lake Wakatipu, only 3 minutes drive from the centre of town. The hotel boasts spectacular views over the lake and the Remarkables Mountain Range.

Meals included: Breakfast, Speciality Dinner

Day 7: See why they call it the "Wild West Coast"

Queenstown to Arrowtown to Fox Glacier

Travel to Arrowtown, an old gold mining village and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue via the Haast Pass to the mighty West Coast, an area of stunning beauty. See the snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel to Fox Glacier Time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers.

Your Accommodation: Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier

The Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier is nestled at the base of the majestic Southern Alps in the Westland World Heritage Park. Originally built in 1928 it has been refurbished to retain its charming atmosphere.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8: Enjoy the world famous TranzAlpine Scenic Railway

Fox Glacier to Arthur's Pass, Tranz Alpine train to Christchurch

Travel to Hokitika and visit the Greenstone Factory. Continue into Arthur’s Pass and board The TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. View rivers and valleys as you travel through the Waimakariri Basin, over massive viaducts and through the patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains to the elegant city of Christchurch. On arrival your coach will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.

Your Accommodation: Quality Elms Hotel Christchurch

The Elms Hotel in Christchurch, is located 5 minutes from the city and is the closest hotel to the largest enclosed Shopping Mall in New
Zealand. Renowned for its professional and friendly staff you are guaranteed a pleasant stay.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9: Say goodbye to the South Island

Christchurch to Picton to Wellington

Travel along the East Coast to the seaside village of Kaikoura. Enjoy the spectacular scenery as you travel through Marlborough Country, famous for its food and wine. Continue to Picton, where you board the Interislander Ferry for your journey through the Marlborough Sounds and across Cook Strait to Wellington.

Your Accommodation: Hotel Ibis Wellington

Hotel Ibis Wellington is ideally located in Featherston Street in the heart of Wellington City and easy walking distance to Wellington's famous cafe lifestyle.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10: The Capital of "Cool"

Full day in Wellington

A highlight this morning will be time to explore Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum with exhibits that embrace both Maori and European views. Reboard your coach for an extensive city tour which showcases the history and culture on show. Enjoy free time this afternoon and this evening is also free to choose your own dining arrangements.

Your Accommodation: Hotel Ibis Wellington

Hotel Ibis Wellington is ideally located in Featherston Street in the heart of Wellington City and easy walking distance to Wellington's famous cafe lifestyle.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 11: Venture up the Thermal Explorer Highway

Wellington to Taupo to Rotorua

Depart Wellington and view the snow capped peaks of Mt Ruapehu and Mt Tongariro as you travel to Lake Taupo. Visit the spectacular Huka Falls then travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua.

Your Accommodation: Sudima Lake Rotorua

The Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua enjoys a location that is second-to-none on the very shores of beautiful Lake Rotorua, adjacent to the world famous Polynesian Spa complex and just a short stroll to all the attractions in Rotorua.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 12: Are you adventurous enough to enjoy a thrilling luge ride?

Rotorua

Today begins with a Gondola ride and breakfast at the Skyline Rotorua. There is also time for a luge ride! Next stop is Agrodome for an action packed hour of farming entertainment and education that’s unlike anything you’ve seen before. Visit Te Puia to see the boiling mud pools and awesome Geysers that Rotorua is famous for. Enjoy some free time this afternoon. This evening experience an entertaining Maori Hangi and Concert.

Your Accommodation: Sudima Lake Rotorua

The Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua enjoys a location that is second-to-none on the very shores of beautiful Lake Rotorua, adjacent to the world famous Polynesian Spa complex and just a short stroll to all the attractions in Rotorua.

Meals included: Breakfast, Speciality Dinner

Day 13: Bypass Auckland on the way to the Bay of Islands

Rotorua to Auckland to the Bay of Islands

This morning depart Rotorua and travel north via Auckland. Continue via Whangarei to Paihia, situated in the heart of the beautiful Bay of Islands. Enjoy an introduction to the Bay of Islands, location of the signing of the treaty between the Maori tribes and the British.

Your Accommodation: Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge, Paihia

The Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge, Paihia is located on the waterfront only 100 metres from Paihia wharf and township. All rooms are air-conditioned and hotel facilities include restaurant, swimming pool, spa pool and sauna.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 14: Enjoy a Catamaran Cruise

Bay of Islands

This morning cruise through the beautiful Bay of Islands on board a luxury catamaran to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock. Keep an eye out for bottlenose and common dolphins before returning via Russell to Paihia for a free afternoon. A range of optional activities are available or you may choose to relax and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of the waterfront.

Your Accommodation: Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge, Paihia

The Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge, Paihia is located on the waterfront only 100 metres from Paihia wharf and township. All rooms are air-conditioned and hotel facilities include restaurant, swimming pool, spa pool and sauna.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 15: Bay of Islands to Auckland

Bay of Islands to Auckland

Depart the Bay of Islands this morning and travel via Whangarei and Dargaville to Matakohe. Enjoy a visit and informative talk at the Kauri Museum before continuing to Auckland for a city sights tour. This evening you will be treated to a farewell dinner with your new found friends.

Your Accommodation: Rydges Hotel Auckland

Nestled in the heart of Auckland's CBD, Rydges Auckland offers an ideal location. The hotel is a short stroll from business and retail districts, the Casino, the America's Cup Viaduct Village and superb waterfront restaurants.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 16: Farewell to your new travel companions

Depart Auckland

After breakfast it's time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey after a memorable New Zealand holiday.